If components in a mixture composition are part of a categorical factor, such as two different detergent types, we define them as mutually exclusive factors with one level each.
In Synthace, this specifically relates to the Mixture Composition parameter in both the Make Mixtures and Mix Onto elements.
In this tutorial you will learn:
Where to add a categorical mixture component factor.
How to define the level of each categorical mixture component you want to investigate.
Defining a categorical mixture component factor
Adding a new categorical mixture component factor.
Build a workflow that defines a set of liquids and provides those liquids to a Make Mixtures element.
Switch the workflow builder into DOE Mode
Note: only the elements that can have DOE factors applied to their parameters will be interactive and display in colour. If the workflow has not already been added to a Synthace experiment you will be prompted to do so before being able to enter DOE mode.
Select the Make Mixtures element and toggle on the Mixture Compositions parameter to identify that you intend to describe these mixtures with DOE factors.
Click the adjacent factor button in the Instance Panel to launch the DOE Factor Panel.
Click on the “ADD” button to select a factor type.
Select the “New Mutual Exclusion” Option to open the Factor Definition Panel.
Defining the factors as part of a categorical group
In the Factor Definition Panel, click on the Factor Name and enter the name of the group of factors which will be mutually exclusive. In this example, Liquid Choice.
Click on Add New Factor to start defining the factors as categorical choices.
Setting Factor Properties
In the second Factor Definition Panel, click on the Factor Name entry field and enter the name of the first categorical factor.
Select the units for this factor.
Note: the units for your factor must match the units you set for your stock liquid component within your workflow.
Input the level you want to investigate for your factor.
Note: to make this a categorical factor, only one level should be chosen.
Click on “Add Factor” to save the factor to your Factor Table where you will see a summary of the factors settings.
Click on “Add New Factor” and define the second categorical factor as with the first.
Once done, click on “Add Mutual Exclusion” to save the factor to your Factor Table where you will see a summary of the factors settings.
Note: The Liquid Choice factor will now sample between either Liquid A or Liquid B for a mixture, with both being added to a set point of 10 mM in the final mixture.
Well done on making it to the end of this tutorial.
To learn how to define custom categorical factors, click here.
To learn about other factor types, click here.